A reader says the money allocated to the Pike River mine re-entry will be better spent fixing State Highway 2. Photo / File
A reader says the money allocated to the Pike River mine re-entry will be better spent fixing State Highway 2. Photo / File
On Monday I took the opportunity to visit Memorial Park to view, and pay my respects, to the 109 white crosses representing the local soldiers lost in World War 1.
These soldiers lost their lives fighting for "us" on the other side of the world and I can only assumethat none of their bodies were returned to their loved ones back here in New Zealand.
In contrast the Government is now going to spend $36m recovering 29 bodies from the Pike River Mine.
Imagine what that $36m could do to help saving lives if it was spent on SH2.
Many of the beggars we see are scammers who waste their money on bad habits like drugs and alcohol.
Often these people choose to be in the situation they are in rather than to accept offers of rehabilitation.
There are real homeless people in our communities who are desperate for homes and there are agencies working hard to find accommodation for them.
These agencies are the people that should be receiving support from us - the public.
By denying the beggars access to our small change through a bylaw, and instead supporting the organisations looking after genuine needy people, we can all benefit.